AFM

by Zac Shaw

The American Federation of Musicians is the oldest musicians’ union dates back to 1896. Despite their name, AFM is an international institution, and represents thousands of musicians. They offer resources and guidance to their musician-members, helping with everything from health care to immigration. They maintain a blacklist of musician-employers who have been reported by members as exploitative (the “International Unfair List”). The union is popular with performers, particularly in the classical genre.